As millions marked Armistice Day across the world, members of the public, old soldiers and serving servicemen and women stood in silence for the arrival of Harold Percival's funeral cortege at the crematorium in Lytham St Annes, Lancashire.

The funeral began at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. Credit: Lynne Cameron/PA Wire

Roads were blocked with traffic around Lytham, such was the size of the crowd. Credit: Lynne Cameron/PA Wire

Hundreds attended the service after a public appeal for the Second World War veteran. Credit: Lynne Cameron/PA Wire

A war veteran who died with no close friends or relatives has been given a fitting send-off today, after an internet campaign driven by media coverage saw hundreds of people pledge to attend. Click here for more.

A war veteran whose funeral is set to be attended by hundreds of strangers was a "lovely character" who "loved reading his Daily Telegraph every morning".

Harold Jellicoe Percival, 99, who helped with the Dambusters raids during World War II, died last month at a nursing home.

Harold Jellicoe Percival Credit: PA Wire

Janet Wareing, a matron at the care home in Lytham, paid tribute to the veteran:"Harold was a lovely character, very strong-willed and independent.

"He was quite a private man, and he loved reading his Daily Telegraph every morning.

"We have already been contacted by military veterans who are intending to come, even though they have never met him. We've been told one group is looking to bring around 200 people to the service, which would be fantastic."